The Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons are unique among Paramahansa Yogananda’s published writings in that they give his step-by-step instructions in the yoga techniques of meditation, concentration, and energization that he taught, including Kriya Yoga.

The goal of these simple yet highly effective yoga techniques is to teach you to deal directly with energy and consciousness enabling you to recharge your body with energy, to awaken the mind's unlimited power, and to experience a deepening awareness of the Divine in your life.

The Lessons were compiled under Paramahansa Yogananda’s direction from his writings and the many classes and lectures he gave. In addition to his comprehensive instructions in meditation, the Lessons offer practical guidance for every aspect of spiritual living — how to live joyfully and successfully amidst the unceasing challenges and opportunities in this world of change.

Comprehensive Enhancement and Expansion of SRF Lessons Planned for 2018

We are very pleased to announce that later this year we will be releasing a comprehensive enhancement and expansion of the current Lessons, which were originally created in the 1930s. The revised Lessons were begun by Paramahansaji in the final years of his life, and he personally trained late SRF President Sri Mrinalini Mata to complete them according to his instructions—a lifelong task that she finished shortly before her passing in 2017.

The new edition of the Lessons will contain a wealth of previously unpublished material from Paramahansaji’s writings and classes—including clearer and more detailed instruction on the SRF meditation techniques, including Kriya Yoga, and many other subjects. For more information, please visit our web page about the upcoming new edition of the SRF Lessons.

We recommend that current students of the SRF Lessons continue their existing subscription to the current Lessons—especially the first two steps if they intend to apply for Kriya Yoga, so that they can become eligible at the earliest opportunity. They will be able to transition to the new edition of the Lessons when they become available. Those who have completed study of all steps of the current Lessons will also be able to enroll for the new edition. Details about how to transition to or enroll for the new edition of the SRF Lessons will become available in the forthcoming months.

Topics Include:

The scientific techniques of yoga meditation

How to weave God into your daily life

Friendship — the art of getting along with others

Creating harmony in marriage and family life

How to develop creative intuition

Finding your true vocation, and balanced success and prosperity

Yoga methods of diet, healing, relaxation, and rejuvenation

Living without stress and fear

The dynamic power of will — how to create at will what you need

Life after death

Karma and reincarnation

Meditation Techniques Offered to Followers of All Religions

Since Yoga is based on practice and experience rather than on adherence to a particular set of beliefs, followers of all religions can benefit from the spiritual teachings in the Lessons and the three basic techniques. When practiced regularly, these methods lead unfailingly to deeper levels of spiritual awareness and perception.

Kriya Yoga

After a preliminary period of study and practice of the basic techniques, students who wish to formally establish the sacred guru-disciple relationship with Paramahansa Yogananda and his lineage of gurus are eligible to apply for initiation in Kriya Yoga.

The technique of Kriya Yoga is given in person at special initiation ceremonies, as well as sent to each initiate in a special series of printed lessons that cover every aspect of the Kriya science.

Personal Guidance and Other Services to Students

Lessons students can also receive personal guidance in their practice, free of charge, from experienced meditation counselors of the Self-Realization Fellowship Monastic Order, by contacting the International Headquarters.

Students also receive special letters of inspiration and encouragement from the SRF president throughout the year, as well as newsletters and other publications from Self-Realization Fellowship.

Cost and Timing

The current Lessons are divided into six steps of thirty lessons each, with each lesson being 6–8 pages in length. Two lessons are mailed every other week, so that each can be studied for one week. It takes about 3 years to receive all of them. All of the basic meditation techniques that are preparatory to Kriya Yoga are mailed during the first year of study.

Students are able to order one step at a time, and will be prompted to renew at the appropriate time.

The first step costs $65, including a one-time enrollment fee of $20. All subsequent steps cost $45 each. For international addresses, please add $15 per step.

Please allow 4–6 weeks for your first lessons to reach you.Lessonsby e-mail are not available at this time.

“After practicing your Lessons for six months, I have found all you have taught me to be true. You have proven the existence of God to me, something I once thought impossible.”